While Self Induced Illness and Clarified Butter had some great songs on them, it wasn’t until this years Respect The Fly Shit that Meyhem Lauren really hit his stride as far as establishing a comprehensive sound, courtesy of Harry Fraud and Tommy Mas. With a wider range of tempos, Meyhem was able to break out of that ‘stuck in one gear’ flow that sometimes induced fatigue in the listener in his earlier work.

As one of the leaders of the Food Rap movement, Meyhem laments rappers “who are softer than a black avocado” in between his now-mandatory bizarre rants at the end of tracks. With a diverse range of producers on deck, Brunch Meetings is a nourishing audio feast that covers everything from Stevie Wonder loops, 80’s synths and a bangin’ Alchemist beat (complete with drums!).

Meyhem is heavily influenced by the more extravagant aspects of the Wu-Tang in regards to his approach to song titles, and seems to strive for perfection of the best combination of garment and fine-dining references. A healthy sprinkling of guests adds some variety to proceedings, and while Laurenovich is an acquired taste to some rap fans in terms of his cadence and flow, there’s no denying that his music is more entertaining with each installment. Proof that hard work pays off, he continues to improve and refine his technique with each release. This is gruff New York rap for 2012 – still a little rough around the edges and at times punching above it’s weight – but when it all connects, Mandatory Brunch Meetings hits hard.

‘Solidified’ his sound like a chorizo burrito stuck in your lower intestine and no roughage in sight.

Robbie, you can’t even lie to yourself convincingly, which is a gift, actually, but come the fuck on: Meyhem, whatever his ‘good’ intentions, has NO FUCKING TALENT, except maybe shopping for clothes…

Mush mouth bullshit over garbage 21st century production– hey, why not add some “Statik Selektah” “heat” and make it a “perfect meal”?

Sympathy points for Meyhem lacking white privilege but that doesn’t make his music worthwhile, let alone “nourishing.”

Comment by Hazel Smith 12.06.12 @

^thats a bit harsh. Meyhem does have talent. Respect The Fly Shit was excellent. MBM seems a step backward to me. The beats aren’t as good and he’s increased his Kool Keith-esque wacky concepts and intro/outro ramblings which to me get boring pretty quickly

Comment by EssBee 12.07.12 @

Solid review sir. I just finished listening to the album. It’s dope. Meyhem continues to refine his sound nicely.

Comment by skinny 12.09.12 @

“Self Induced Illness” is still his best project – “RTFS” comes second